The 'Teenage Dream' hitmaker, who has overcome heartbreak after divorcing comedian Russell Brand in January and turned into a successful entrepreneur, feels honoured to have been granted the coveted award and is proud to be regarded as a strong, independent woman as well as recognised for her musical talent, reported the Huffington Post.

"When I heard, I was very honoured. I was also a bit surprised because I thought my year was over! Especially with ending the tour last year, but it's nice to see that it's been extended. It does feel like this record has never ended!

"It's nice, I really appreciate it. I like to be viewed as a strong woman and I think that's what Billboard is basically saying," she said.

The 28-year-old singer-actress has had a mammoth year, completing a 12-month, 124-date tour in 2011 as well as releasing her first 3D fly-on-the-wall concert movie 'Katy Perry: Part Of Me'.

Katy Perry named Woman of the Year

Pop star Katy Perry has been chosen as Billboard's Woman of the Year for her international success in the charts and overcoming personal heartache.

The 'Teenage Dream' hitmaker, who has overcome heartbreak after divorcing comedian Russell Brand in January and turned into a successful entrepreneur, feels honoured to have been granted the coveted award and is proud to be regarded as a strong, independent woman as well as recognised for her musical talent, reported the Huffington Post.

"When I heard, I was very honoured. I was also a bit surprised because I thought my year was over! Especially with ending the tour last year, but it's nice to see that it's been extended. It does feel like this record has never ended!

"It's nice, I really appreciate it. I like to be viewed as a strong woman and I think that's what Billboard is basically saying," she said.

The 28-year-old singer-actress has had a mammoth year, completing a 12-month, 124-date tour in 2011 as well as releasing her first 3D fly-on-the-wall concert movie 'Katy Perry: Part Of Me'.